Foreign Office travel advice
Before travelling, consult the latest UK FCDO advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bhutan. Bhutan is one of Asia's safest destinations. US travellers should check travel.state.gov for current guidance.
Bhutan12 daysMax 12Solo-friendly
Bhutan Festival Cultural Tour – Journeys for Women Collection
A 12-day women-only journey for up to 12 travellers, led by a female guide throughout — from Thimphu's National Textile Museum and Punakha's sacred Dzongs to the Nalakhar Festival masked dances in Bumthang and the Tiger's Nest pilgrimage hike above Paro.
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About this journey
The story behind the route
This thoughtfully designed women-only tour through Bhutan offers an immersive journey into one of the Himalayas’ most culturally preserved and spiritually rich kingdoms. Travelling with a local English speaking female guide throughout, the itinerary moves from the lively capital of Thimphu to the fertile valleys of Punakha, the sacred landscapes of Bumthang, the tranquil glacial scenery of Phobjikha, and finally the historic Paro Valley. Along the way, you will experience Bhutan’s remarkable living traditions through monastery visits, village walks, artisan encounters, and the vibrant Nalakhar Festival, where masked dances, ritual music, and community celebration reveal the depth of Bhutanese spiritual life.
At the heart of the journey is a meaningful focus on the lives, skills, and leadership of Bhutanese women. Encounters with a female homestay owner, time spent within a Buddhist nunnery, and a meeting with a local female entrepreneur provide rare insight into women’s roles within family, faith, and contemporary society. These experiences are complemented by Bhutan’s most iconic cultural moments, including a pilgrimage hike to the dramatic Tiger’s Nest Monastery and exploration of ancient dzongs and temples set within pristine Himalayan scenery. The result is a deeply personal and culturally rich journey that combines spiritual discovery, authentic human connection, and the unique perspective of travelling entirely in the company and guidance of women. Explore our other Bhutan tour packages to discover more cultural and Himalayan travel experiences.
The journey
Bhutan Festival Cultural Tour – Journeys for Women Collection
The moments that define this trip
Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.
Thimphu: Culture, Craft & Women's Empowerment
The tour opens in Bhutan's capital with two days shaped around both the country's living cultural institutions and its women's organisations. A meeting with a representative of RENEW — a foundation supporting women and children — sets the tone before visits to the School of Traditional Arts, the National Library, the National Textile Museum, and the Craft Bazaar reveal the depth of Bhutan's craft traditions. The Memorial Chorten, the towering Buddha Dordenma statue, and the Changangkha Temple complete Thimphu's religious landscape, whilst the arrival day stop at Tamchhog Lhakhang between Paro and Thimphu offers the first encounter with Bhutan's densely layered spiritual geography.
Punakha Valley: Sacred Dzongs & Nunnery Life
The Dochu La Pass — draped in prayer flags — marks the descent from Thimphu to the warmer Punakha valley, where a cooking class with homestay owner Aum Toeb Zam provides a direct exchange with a Bhutanese woman in her own home. Punakha Dzong and the Chimi Lhakhang anchor the valley's spiritual sites, whilst a 40–50-minute hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten delivers panoramic views across the valley below. The day closes at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery above Nobgang village, where the group joins the resident nuns for evening prayers — one of the most intimate encounters on the entire journey.
Bumthang & Tang Valley: Festivals, Temples & Living Traditions
The drive east to Bumthang passes through Trongsa, where the commanding Trongsa Dzong overlooks a deep river gorge and prayer flags are hoisted at the fortress walls. In Zungney village, women are met at their looms weaving traditional yathra textiles before the Nalakhar Festival at Ngang Lhakhang fills the following day with sacred masked dances and ritual music. The ancient temples of Jamba Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang are explored across Bumthang valley, whilst a full day in the Tang Valley visits the Membar Tsho pilgrimage site — known as the Burning Lake — and the Ogyen Choling palace museum, with a potential meeting with its owner Ashi Kuenzang Choden. A local beekeeping cooperative, visited on the return towards Gangtey, adds a further dimension of rural Bhutanese enterprise led by women.
Gangtey, Phobjikha & the Tiger's Nest Pilgrimage
The wide glacial bowl of Phobjikha Valley — the winter habitat of endangered black-necked cranes — surrounds Gangtey Gompa in one of Bhutan's most serene landscapes. The following morning, the Shechen Orgyen Chodzong Nunnery, home to 125 nuns receiving Nyingma Buddhist education, provides the tour's most sustained encounter with nunnery life before the group continues to Paro. Day 10 unfolds across the National Museum in Ta Dzong, a forested hillside walk to Zuri Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, Dumtse Lhakhang, and a meeting with Sonam Choden — founder of Bhutan Herbal Tea. The pilgrimage hike to Taktsang Monastery — the Tiger's Nest, perched 900 metres above the Paro valley — closes the tour on Day 11 with butter lamp offerings and the descent back into Paro.
Key moments for Bhutan Festival Cultural Tour – Journeys for Women Collection
Full itinerary · 12 days
Free — no sign-up
Dates & prices
Pick your departure
Reserve your place with a 10% deposit. Final balance due 70 days before departure. Single-room supplements optional — most travellers happily share.
Can’t find the right fit?
Every one of our Bhutan journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
What's included
Everything covered — and what's not
Included in the price
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Overland transport throughout with professional driver
- All accommodation
- Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
- Meals as listed
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
- Bhutan Tourist Visa
Budget separately for
- International flights including to and from Paro (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Items of personal nature
- Tips (Discretionary)
Before you go
Essential information
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
Voices from the road
What travellers say about us
Independently verified reviews from travellers who joined Bhutan Festival Cultural Tour – Journeys for Women Collection. Rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ reviewers.
“I loved my trip, everything was excellent. Lots of help and information, good communications, excellent tour notes and finding flights and additional accommodation when needed. A seamless, well planned trip from start to finish.”
Di B
Bhutan
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”
Alexis
“I loved my trip, everything was excellent. Lots of help and information, good communications, excellent tour notes and finding flights and additional accommodation when needed. A seamless, well planned trip from start to finish.”
Di B
Bhutan
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”
Alexis
Want to customise this tour?
Make Bhutan Festival Cultural Tour – Journeys for Women Collection your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.
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Common questions
Things travellers usually ask
How many travellers will be in my group?
Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.
Can I travel solo?
Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.
How fit do I need to be?
Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.
When are the next departures?
The next available departures are 19 November 2026; 19 May 2027; 9 December 2027. See the "Pick your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.
What's included in the tour price?
Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; Overland transport throughout with professional driver; All accommodation; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.
Where exactly does this trip go?
This tour visits Bhutan. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.
